By Graham Warwick in Washington DC
Canada has signalled its intention to procure four C-17 strategic transports and 16 CH-47 heavylift helicopters from Boeing, and moved to counter criticism of a lack of competition by giving potential bidders 30 days to indicate whether they have aircraft capable of meeting the stated requirements. The purchase of 17 tactical transports will be open to competition.
Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC), which is handling the procurements, says “preliminary industry research” indicates the C-17 and CH-47 are the “only known aircraft” capable of meeting the stated requirements “in a timely manner”. The strategic transport requirement calls for deliveries to begin within 18 months of contract award and be completed within 48 months. The helicopter requirement calls for deliveries to begin within 36 months and be completed within 60 months.
To “make sure” there are no other aircraft meeting its requirements, Canada will issue an advance contract award notice (ACAN) in each case, giving potential bidders 30 days to submit a “statement of capabilities that clearly demonstrates how the supplier meets all the advertised requirements”, says PWGSC.
Airbus Military and charter provider Skylink Aviation say they are awaiting release of the strategic transport ACAN before deciding whether to pursue unsolicited bids they had submitted in advance of the Canadian decision to buy C-17s.
Toronto-based charter provider Skylift has offered to base two Antonov An-124s, two Ilyushin Il-76s and crews on standby round-the-clock at CFB Trenton, dedicated to the Canadian Forces and ready within an hour, says chief operating officer Jan Ottens. The $46 million annual cost would provide 400h a year on each aircraft.
Airbus Military had offered 16 A400Ms to meet both strategic and tactical transport requirements, the C$2.4 billion ($2.16 billion) purchase cost representing a saving of C$2.6 billion over the total budget for four C-17s and 17 tactical transports. The company says it is reviewing “all options”, which, reports suggest, could include a legal challenge.
Source: Flight International
